3.3y–5y12 minActive playMusicOutdoor
Follow-the-Leader: Move, Stop, Change
A high-energy follow-the-leader game that builds confidence in trying different movements, stopping and starting, and navigating space safely with an adult leader.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear safe space (indoors or outdoors)
- 3–6 simple markers (towels, cones made from cups, or chalk spots)
Nice to have
- music (optional, low volume)
- 2 cushions or a low stable object (for safe over/under/through routes)
Movement level: high
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneExperiments with different ways of moving.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneNegotiates space while movingBody· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneAttends in adult-led groupMind· 2.8y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneRuns around obstaclesBody· 2.7y–3.7y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneMakes sharp turns while runningBody· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneWalks backwardBody· 3y–4y· stretch
What it practices
- Experiments with different ways of moving.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Negotiates space successfully when playing racing and chasing games with other children, adjusting speed or changing direction to avoid obstacles.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Travels with confidence and skill around, under, over and through balancing and climbing equipment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Jumps off an object and lands appropriately.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Motivate children to be active through games such as follow the leader.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)